Method of fabricating selfsustaining vessels



J. J. BLACK ETAL METHOD OF FABRICATING SELF-SUSTAINING VESSELS Jung 8, 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed April 28, 1960 mvsgzzez. Z? BY Wd IZ i W ATTORNEYS.

June 8, 1965 J. J. BLACK ETAL 3,187,425

7 METHOD OF FABRICATING SELF-SUSTAINING VESSELS Original Filed April 28. 1960 I 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 0 .JQEYZZ INYENTORS.

ATTORNEYS.

June 8, 1965 J. J. BLACK ETAL METHOD OF FABRIGATING SELF-SUSTAINING VESSELS '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTO Original Filed April 28, 1960 June 8, 1965 J. J. BLACK ETAL METHOD OF FABRICATING SELF-SUSTAINING VESSELS Original Filed April 28. 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 IIIIIIJIII" mama? 76% A T TOENE Y5,

INVENTORS.

June 8, 1965 J. J. BLACK ETAL METHOD OF FABRICATING SELF-SUSTAINING VESSELS '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed April 28. 1960 ATTORNEYS.

J1me 1955 J. J. BLACK ETAL METHOD OF FABRICATING SELF-SUSTAINING VESSELS Original Filed April 28. 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTOR ,QTTOENEY5.

United States Patent" "ice METHQD OF FABRICATENG SELF- SUSTATNENG VESSELS JamesJ. Black and Francis V. Roy, Qincinnati, @hio,

assignors, by mesne assignments, to Pulhnan Incorporated, a corporation of Delaware Original application Apr. 28, 1960, Ser. No. 25,324 ,-now Divided Patent No. 3,131,949, dated May 5, 1964. V and this application Oct. 3, 1962, Scr. No. 233,374

2 Claims. (Cl. 29-469) This invention relates to the constructing of vessels for storing or transporting bulk lading, for example liquids such as gasoline or fuel oil, or pulverulent solids, such as cement, or .the like. The present vessel or tank structure is intended as a transportable freight Container, or for trate the principles of the invention.

The present application is a division of the c'o-pending application of James J. Black and Francis V. Roy for Self-Sustaining Vessel, Serial No .'25,324, filed April 28, 1960, now Patent Number 3,131,949.

. One of the primary objectives of the present invention has been to provide a method of fabricating alight weight,

self-sustaining vessel having a length substantially reater than its width or diameter, and of simplified construc- 7 tion, adapted to span a pair of spaced supports or to span running gear at opposite ends of a vehicle without requir ing any external bridging structure or to rest upon its own bottom structure as a bulk container. As applied to a semitrailer, the forward end of the vessel includes an upper fifth wheel which is supported upon the mating lower fifth wheel of the tractor, while the rearward end is supported upon the running gear including a spring suspension having road wheels. a a

A further important objective of this invention has been to provide a method of fabricating a vessel of the character described which is not only self-sustaining and sufliciently rugged to withstand the shocks, twisting force and severe loads to which itrnay be subjected in roadway or railway transportation, but which nevertheless is of light weight in relation to volumetric capacity, such that a high tare to gross ratio is obtained and the Weight cost of returning empty vessels is reduced. In this respect, the invention contemplates a container which may be fabricated rapidly and inexpensively from aluminum or similar light weight metals, including structural sections which are in the form of extruded alumium sections adapted for welding interconnection either with one another or with light weight sheet metal as the case may be..

More specifically, an objective of the invention has been to provide a method of fabricating a structure which comprises longitudinal upper and lower beams in the form of channel-like longitudinal extruded metal sections formed of aluminum or other light weight metal, the lowerextrusion acting principally as the spine or beam component of the tank or vessel while the upper extrusion coacts with the lower extrusion principally in compression in resisting the forces developed by the weight load of the vessel and its cargo during road transport. Stiff vertical members, constituting load transferring and sustaining means, reside in welded interconnection with the opposite endwise portions of the extruded metal sections at top and bottom and may also constitute the end closures of the vessel. By virtue of this trussed arrangement, of rigid extrusions, a vessel 40 feet in length is reliable as a semitrailer or other vehicle, while the weight of the assembly is substantially less than conventional structures, thereby substantially increasing the permissible pay load which may be transported.

3,187,425 Patented June 3, 1965 of arcuate configuration in cross section, corresponding to the radius of the shell. The lower section ofthe vessel comprises one or a plurality of extruded metal sections extending continuously throughout substantially the entire length of the vesseland serves "asthe bottom closure thereof as Well as a stiff longitudinal beam upon which the vessel may rest or be supported and which in turn sustains at least a part of the static and dynamic loading of the vessel. In the preferred construction, the bottom beam includes side rails projectingdownwardly' along opposite edgewise portions of the extruded metal section or. assembly, while additional strength is conferred by a series of intermediate ribs located intermediate the side rails. The side rails furnish a convenient base for the vessel in its use as a container whether or not ribs intermediate the side rails are employed.

The lower extrusion, whether as one longitudinal piece or as an assembly of longitudinal pieces inside-by-side relationship, as is preferred, is generally in'the form of g a circular or ovoid segment'in cross section and is capable of resisting longitudinal deflection particularly by virtue.

of the side rails and intermediate ribswhich project lateral ly from the general plane of configuration of the extrusion throughout its length.

Cooperating structuraly with the bottom beam as just" carriage similarly'is mounted directly beneath the side rails at the rearward portion of the tank. .When utilized as a railway transport vessel, the opposite end portions of the side rails likewise may be mounted directly upon the longitudinally spaced trucks or runrdng gear of the vehicle.

The bottom beams are interconnectedifor structural coaction or load transfer from one to theother by stiffener member welded to the respective endwise portions of the upper and lower beams which members additionally constitute end closures for the vessel in the preferred con-f truction. For example, if the vessel is to be of circular or ovoid form in cross section, then the end members are of such contour. Their desired stiffness is achieved either by dishing such members or by structural reinforcement thereof or both as desired. v

Completion of the vessel closure is provided either by thewelding of the top and bottom closure beams directly to one another and to the ends, in the event the topand bottom members are of such dimension and curvature that'they collectively embrace and define the entire cir cumference of the vessel, or, as is preferred, bylight weight aluminum side sheets having their opposite longi-' tudinal edgewise portions welded to the respective edgewise portions of the top and bottom closure beams at the opposite sides of the structure and the endwise portions of the sheets to the end members.

An irnportant commercial advantage which is provided by this construction, aside from its light weight and rigidity, resides in the fact that the welds subjected to the major loads extend longitudinally of the vehicle at areas of the metal members which are offset laterallyfrom areas of maximum stress. 7 Thus, in the present construction, the

beams are subjected to the highest fiber stressing, either as tensional or compressional forces as the case may be. Welding of the metal, particularly in the case of the light weight metal alloys inevitably impairs whatever additional strength may have been imparted to the metal particularly by the original temper or other treatment thereof. In the present construction, longitudinal seam welds readily may be located at areas of the extruded metal sections which are offset from the areas of maximum stress. In this manner, the economies of Welding may be realized without sacrifice of strength at critical areas and without the necessity of employing metals suificiently thick to offset strength lost as a result of welding heat. Because 'most of the welds in the vessel made according to this invention extend longitudinally of the vessel, as continuous seam welds, the vessels may be fabricated most inexpensively by automatic linear seam welders.

A further distinct advantage of the construction is that the longitudinal welding, or more specifically, the elimination of welding along a multiplicity of intersecting lines eliminates the buckling which is commonly encountered in the construction of conventional tanks and eliminates the necessity of pounding out heat buckled sheets as is typically required in the fabrication of conventional tanks or the like.

Internally, the vessel may be provided with a series of reinforced and reinforcing bulkheads spaced along the length of the vessel and joined by welding to the upper and lower extrusions, and also the shell of the vessel, as 'desired. The bulkheads delineate individual compartments located along the length of the vessel. Each compartment, in turn, preferably is subdivided by one or more battles which are similar to the bulkheads, except that each baffle includes an opening through which a man may pass when it is necessary to service the interior of the vessel. The exterior shell of the vessel may comprise respective sheet metal panels bent or stretch-formed to shape and joined by Welding to the edges of the upper and lower extrusions along opposite sides of the tank assembly. The side wall panels may be in the form of individual sections along the length of the tank, in which case they may be pre-joined by vertical welded seams extending from one longitudinal edge to the other, or each side wall may be a one-piece full length panel curved to the radius of the bulkheads and baffles and joined by longitudinal seam welding to the respective edges of the upper andlower extrusions. By virtue of the integral side rails of the upper and lower extrusions, the longitudinal, lateral and twisting forces which act upon the top and bottom extrusions during transport are absorbed in part by the stiff extrusions and also through interconnection of the ends, supplemented as desired by the bulkheads; hence, twisting and yielding of the upper and lower extrusions are eliminated so as to preserve the welded seams of the shell and prevent buckling, thereby to prevent failure of the tank structure or leakage even after prolonged heavy duty service.

Another feature of the invention resides in the formation of the manholes or hatches for loading purposes in the upper extruded section to provide communication with the several vessel compartments which are delineated by the internal bulkheads of the tank, without impairing the strength of the extrusion. The manholes permit the compartments to be loaded by means of overhead filler pipes, this practice being conventional in the petroleum industry and also in other bulk lading fields. In loading the compartments, the operatormay climb upon the top of the tank, utilizing the upper extrusion as a catwalk to reach the several manholes which are spaced along the upper extrusion.

In order to present a non-skid surface for safety, 'especially when the vessel is wet, or coated with ice or snow, the outer surface of the top extrusion is provided with a series of longitudinal ribs, each having a sharp upper edge. These ribs impart added longitudinal stiffmess to the extrusion and prevent slippage when the driver or operator climbs to the top of the vessel for access to the several manholes along its length.

The compartments are drained by way of a sump or trough extending along the lower extrusion either as an integral formation thereof or joined thereto by Welding. Each compartment includes a valved opening communicating with the sump, permitting selective unloading of the compartments by gravity.

The various features and advantages of the invention will be more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating a semitrailer embodying the extruded tank construction of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view detailing the longitudinal top extrusion of the tank and showing one of the manhole covers in open position.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the forward portion of the tank and particularly illustrating the longitudinal bottom extrusion of the tank.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the forward portion of the tank, showing the internal construction thereof.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view taken along line 55 of FIGURE 4, detailing the longitudinal extrusions at the top and bottom portions of the tank.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged cross sectional view showing a bottom extrusion of somewhat modified construction.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary detail view showing the mode of assembling the lower extrusion of a modified tank structure.

FIGURE 8 is a diagrammatic view showing one of the steps in assembling the full length wall panel of the modified tank, wherein the upper and lower extrusions are welded to the wall panel to form one-half of the tank.

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken from FIGURE 8, detailing the clamping fixture which is utilized in welding the upper extrusion to the edge of the wall panel.

FIGURE 10 is a diagrammatic view showing the step of assembling the two prefabricated wall panels and ex trusions.

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the clamping fixture which is utilized in joining the lower extrusions of the two prefabricated wall panel sections.

FIGURE 12 is a diagrammatic view showing the assembled tank with the upper extrusion sections welded together.

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken from FIGURE 12, detailing the welded lap seam joining the upper extrusion sections of the assembled tank.

Referring to the drawings, FIGURE 1 discloses a semitrailer which has been selected to illustrate a vessel constructed according to the present method, however, as noted earlier, the vessel or tank structure is also alternatively intended for generally storage and for railway tank car service in the transportation of bulk materials. Described generally with reference to FIGURE 1, the vessel structure, indicated generally at 1, is in the form of an elongated horizontal cylinder which is self-supporting and hence does not require a vehicle frame or understructure. The rearward end of the vehicle is provided with running gear, indicated generally at 2, and the forward end includes a fifth wheel indicated generally at 3. The fifth wheel is arranged to be supported upon the mating fifth wheel of the tractor (not shown) and is provided with a king pin 4 which establishes an articulated draft connection with the coupling jaws of the tractor fifth wheel. During roadway transport, the forward end of the tank structure is supported upon the tractor fifth wheel while the rearward end is supported upon the running gear. 'When the trailer is uncoupled from the tractor as shown in FIGURE 1, the forward end of the vehicle is supported upon the landing gear or props indicated generally at 5.

When the vehicle is coupled to the tractor, the tank is supported at opposite ends upon the fifth wheel .3 and running gear 2, such that the vessel itself acts as a hollow beam in carrying the weight load of the cargotherein. Longitudinal stiffness sufficient to resist these. forces is imparted to the tank'by the upper and lower longitudinal extrusions, which are indicated generally at 6 and 7. The props, road wheel assembly, fifth wheel and other elements adapting the vessel of the present invention to roadway service as a semitrailer in and of themselves may be conventional, but the manner in whichthey are applied to the lightweight vessel, such that the metal of the latter at the areasvof attachment does not become ruptured or torn through over-stressing is of particular.

General arrangement According to the" present disclosure, the tank is of cylindrical form, comprising side walls 8- 8 formed of light sheet metal which are longitudinally welded at top and bottom to the upper and lower extrusions, as described later in detail. In theform shown in FIGURE 1,

sides. Each tube 23 includes a closure cap 24 which is shifted to an open position for inserting or removing the s In general, the carrier comprises a pair of U-shaped hangers 3333 depending downwardly from the'lower' the sheet metal wallsare of sectional construction, the

several sheets being joined by welding as at 10 along the length of the tank structure. An end wall 11 forms the rearward end of the tank (FIGURE 1) and a similar end wall 12 (FIGURE 4) is provided at the'forward end of the tank. The tank is divided longitudinally into a series of individual compartments by means of internal.

bulkheads as explained later in detail. 7

The running gear 2 is of the tandem type, comprising two sets of road wheels 1313 mounted uponfrespective I axles l4-14 extending parallel with one another. The axles 14 are connected to a tandem spring suspension (not shown), arranged to equalize the weight load which is imposed upon the two sets of wheels 13 13. The'spring v are joined to the lower edges of the side plates 15-15 and thus support the rearward portion of the tank structure with respect to the roadway.

As shown in FIGURE 1, the rearward portion of the semitrailer includes fenders 16 16.projecting outwardly on opposite sides from the lower extrusion 7 and over-. hanging the road wheels. A channel-shaped member 17 extends across the rearward end of the vehicle and has its opposite ends secured to the fenders for stiffening purposes. In order to further strengthen the rearward portion of the vehicle, across piece 19 extends across the rearward end of the lower extrusion (FIGURE 1) adjacent the end of the'tank, and a pairof triangular brackets 20-20 rise upwardly from the cross piece 19 and are joined by welding to the end wall 11 of the tank.

In order to permit the operator to climb ,to the top of the tank for loading and maintenance, there is provided. a ladder 21 which extends upwardly from the channel member 17. Theladder has its upper end joined as at 22 to the upper extrusion 6. The upper extrusion is pro-v vided with a plurality of'manholes, as explained later, which communicate with the interior of the individual vessel or compartments thereof. 7

Flexible delivery conduits (not shown) for connection conduit. .Each storage tube 23 is secured in place by a series of brackets 25 welded to the side wall of the tank.

the fenders :16 are provided with the usual tail lights, 7 stop lights andturn signals,'as indicated collectively at 27.

The landing gear, previously indicated at .5 (FIGURE 1) comprises individual telescopically arranged posts extending downwardly from the lower extrusion at opposite sides. Each post comprises anupper section 28, joined as at 29 to the lower extrusion 7, and a lower section 30 telescopically interfitting the upper section, each lower section. including at its lower end a foot 31 which rests upon the ground when the semitrailer is uncoupled from the tractor. When the forward end of the semitraileris coupled to the tractor, the lower sections 30 at opposite sides may be elevated manually from the position shown, so as to provide adequate clearance during road transport. Sinc'e'the landing gear is of conventional construction, the details have been omitted from the disclosure.

Immediately to the rear of the landing gear 5, there is provided a spare tire carrier, indicated generally at 32.

extrusion 7 at opposite sides, the. upper ends of each hanger being welded or otherwise secured, as at34 to the extrusion 7. The tire carrier 32 is generally conventional and therefore has not been'illustrated in detail.

The fifth wheel 3 preferably is of the low level type shown in the patent to James I. Black No. 2,841,415. In general, the fifth wheel is located beneath the lower ex-j trusion '7 at the forward end of the tank, as indicated in broken lines in FIGURE 4. Forwardly of the fifth wheel there isprovided a skid plate 35, also attached to the lower extrusion, as indicated in FIGURE 4. The tractor (not shown) is provided with an inclined skid plate which is inclined downwardly and rearwardly from the rearward end of the tractor. v When'the tractor is backed into coupling position, the inclined tractor skid plate slidably engages the skid plate 35 and thus elevates the forward end of the semitrailer and fifth wheel 3 sufficiently to permit the tractor fifth wheel to slide beneath it, thereby to establish a coupling engagement with the king pin 4.

As detailed in FIGURE 5, the fifth wheel 3 is secured in place'beneath the lower extrusion 7 by means of a pair of angle irons 36*36 which are attached as by welding to the opposite sides of the extrusion 7. Each angle iron 36 is provided with a series of holes 37 for the reception of screws 38 which pass through the flange of the angle iron and through a flange 40 along opposite sides of the fifth wheel. In order to permit the location of the fifth wheel to be varied longitudinally (FIGURE 3) the angle irons 36 at opposite sides, extend lengthwise beyond opposite ends of the fifth wheel and include additional apertubes 23-23 (FIGURE 1) secured to the tank at opposite tures 37 for the reception of the screws 38. This arrangement permits the fifth wheel to be located selectively along the forwardportion of the tank, thereby to vary the effective wheel base of the vehicle. It is to be noted that the weight load of the tank is transmitted directly from the lower extrusion 7 to the fifth-wheel 3 at the forward end of the tank, and from the extrusion to the running gear 2 at the rearward endof the tank.

As indicatedin FIGURE-4, the tank structure may be provided with a series of internal bulkheads indicated generally at 41, which if imperforate delineate a series of compartments 42 along the length of the tank. Each compartment is filled through an individual manhole, indicated generally at 43, which is formed as part of the upper extrusion 6. The compartments 42 are drained by gravity through a trough or channel way which is formed as an integral part of the lower extrusion and which through suitable openings may communicate with a drainage sump indicated diagrammatically at 44 in FIGURE 6. The sump-comprises a generally U-shaped elongated casting having its upper-edges welded as at 45 (FIGURE 6) to the upper extrusion so as to form a closed passageway leading to outlet fittings. The sump 44 preferably is of one-piece construction, having a length sufiicient to communicate with the several compartments of the series and being provided with internal separators arranged, if desired, to permit the contents of each compartment to be delivered individually to the outlet fittings at the discharge station. Since the sump and valve systems do not form a part of the present invention, they have been omitted from the disclosure.

Vessel structure As best shown in FIGURES 3 and 5, the lower or bottom extrusion 7 comprises four full length sections welded together longitudinally to form a one piece beam. In the form illustrated, the extrusion is made up of a pair of side or outer sections 4646 and a pair of inner sections 47- 47. These sections are joined together along the longitudinal weld lines 48, in symmetrically opposite relationship. It will be understood that the entire extrusion may be of one piece fabrication so as to eleminate such welding operations; however, at the present time, they are made sectional because of limitation in the size of the available extrusion presses.

Described with referenc eto FIGURE 5, each outer extrusion includes a side rail or L-shaped flangeStl having an inturned foot 51; the flange or rail forms a load bearing frame along opposite sides of the assembled extrusion 7. Adjacent the rail 50, each outer section 46 includes a secondary L-shaped flange 52 provided with a foot 53. Each inner section 47 is provided with a T- shaped flange 54 having a head 55 residing in a plane common to the foot 53 of flange 52. Adjacent each T- shaped flange, there is provided a longitudinal rib 56.

During assembly and welding of the lower extrusion 7, the inner sections 4747 may be held in assembly by suitable clamping mechanism which engages the ribs 5656 so as to hold the sections in abutment while the central weld line 48 is applied. The ribs 56-56 .are rabbeted longitudinally as at 57 to provide nested engagement with upper edges of the drainage trough, as previousl indicated at 44.

As viewed in FIGURE 3, the several ribs and flanges of the longitudinl sections extend for the full length of the extrusion and thus create a rigid beam extending from the forward to the rearward end of the tank. The side plates 1515 of the running gear are welded directly to the foot 51 of the side rail flange 50 at opposite sides of the extrusion. The side plates 15 are provided with vertical reinforcements which stiffen the structure. As indicated in FIGURE 5, the angle irons 36 36, which mount the fifth wheel 3, are also attached to the L-shaped flange 50 at opposite sides of the extrusion. It will be noted (FIGURE 5) that a filler plate 60 is interposed between the fifth wheel and the flanges 52 and 54, such that the weight load is distributed to the several longitudinal flanges or ribs of the extrusion. It will also be noted that the cross piece 19 (FIGURE 1) at the rearward end of the tank has its opposite ends joined by welding to the L-shaped side rail flanges 5050, so as to complete the framing structure. A similar cross piece (not shown) preferably extends across the forward end of the tank.

The lower extruded section 7 is provided. with a central channel way or depression 61 (FIGURE 5) which extends longitudinally for the full length of the tank. The channel way is formed by the outwardly displaced marginal portions of the adjoining inner sections 47, which are welded longitudinally, as previously noted at 48, along the center of the tank. The edge of the circular bulkhead 41 (FIGURE 4) spans the channel way 61 (FIGURE 6) of the lower extrusion and thus delineates space 62 beneath the lower edge of the bulkhead. In order to seal the compartment, the space 62 is blocked off by a suitable insert which is placed in the channel way below the bulkhead and welded in place.

The upper extrusion 6, as explained later, is also provided with a longitudinal channel way which is displaced upwardly from the circular contour of the tank assembly. The upper channel way delineates a space above the upper edge of the bulkhead 41 (FIGURE 4), which is also sealed off by a suitable insert which is welded in place.

As described later in detail, each tank compartment 42 is sub-divided by one or more circular baffles which are generally similar to the bulkheads 41, and which prevent surging of liquid tank .contents. As best shown in FIG- URE 5, the upper and lower channel ways 61 are each spanned by a series of bridge plates 79 interfitting respective grooves or rabbetsformed along opposite sides of the channel ways, the inner surface of the bridge plates being flush with the surface of the extrusions to provide a continuous weld about each bafiie, as explained later. It will be noted that the channel ways'of the upper and lower extrusions delineate passageways above and below each baflie so as to form a gas vent across the upper edge of the baffles and a liquid passageway below the lower edge of the bafile to provide complete-drainage of liquid from each compartment.

Again referring to FIGURE 5, the sheet metal panels which form the side wall or shell 8 at opposite sides of the tank, have their lower edges welded as at 63 to the marginal edge of the outer extruded section 46 at opposite sides. As noted earlier, the tank is cylindrical, the assembled lower extrusion being arcuate in cross section, corresponding to the radius of the side wall 8. The radius of the assembled tank shell is determined by the circular bulkheads, as previously indicated at 41, the side wall panels 8 being fitted around the bulkheads during assembly, as explained later. The lower extrusion, in general, forms the segment of a circle, curving downwardly betweenthe side rails 50- 50 which with its integral side rails and ribbing constitutes a rigid beamstructure. The arcuate shape of the extrusion, combined with the side rails 50 creates rigid beams capable of imparting longitudinal stiffness to the tank. In addition, the side rails, in combination with the bulkheads and upper extrusion, are capable of resisting twisting forces which are developed during road transport of the vehicle.

The upper edges of the side wall panels 8 at opposite sides are welded as at 6464 to the opposite side edges of the upper extrusion 6. This extrusion also consists of longitudinal full length sections joined together by longitudinal welds. Thus, in the form shown in FIGURE 5, the upper extrusion comprises a central section 65, and a pair of outer sections 6666 integral therewith. The adjoining edges of the sections are rabbeted longitudinally as at 67 to provide mating lips which align the adjoining sections, the sections being welded as at 68 along these joints. In order to impart longitudinal stiffness to the upper extrusion 6, there is provided on each outer section 66, a respective T-shaped flange 69 having a head 70 thereby forming a beam which is highly resistant to lateral forces so as to prevent the flanges from warping under heavy loads or twisting forces. As indicated at 6 in FIG URE 1, the opposite ends of the flanges 69-69 are joined by cross flanges 71-71 of similar cross section, at the opposite ends of the tank.

In addition to the flanges 69, the sections and 66 are provided with parallel ribs 72 (FIGURE 5) which impart additional stiffness to the assembly. The ribs 72 have sharp outer edges presenting an anti-skid top surface which prevents slippage when the operator climbs upon the tank for loading or maintenance. If desired, the upper edge of each rib 72 may be cross-notched at spaced intervals to increase the non-skid character of the extrusion surface. a a

The upper extrusion, similar to the lower, is generally in the form of a' circular segment, as viewed FIGURE "5..

The side flanges 69, similar to the lower flanges or side rails 50, aid in imparting longitudinal stiffness to theex- 'trusion and also, in combination with the lower extrusion and reinforced bulkheads, resist twisting forces which are developed during road or rail transport of thetank vehicle. Adjacent each T-shaped flange 69, the'extruded section includes an outwardly turned rib 73.extending parallel with the ribs 72. The rib 73 imparts additional stiffness to the extruded section along its marginal side portions. a

' As notedearlier, the upper extruded section '6 includes a'central channel way 61 (FIGURE which is displaced outwardly with respect to the circular contour of the tank, similar to the channel way of the lower extrusion 7. The upper channel way delineates .an opening 62 above the edge of each bulkhead 41 and baffle 93 (FIGURE 4) In the case of the bulkheads, the space G'ZIiS'blOEf/KtEd olf Y 1d partment 42, foriexample, end wall 12 and by a-fo'rward bulkhead 41, the compartment being sub-divided by two baflies 93-93, the bulkhead, battles and forward end wall 12 eachcomprising a by a suitable insert interfitt-ing the space 62, While in the compartments of the tank, are formed in the upper ex-" trusion 6. Each manholeis in the form of a cylindrical collar assembly 74 (FIGURE 2) which is welded as at aboutqan, opening formed in the assembled extrusion 6. It will be noted that the cylindrical collar assembly 74 and its opening extends across the central extruded section 65 and intercepts the marginal portionsof the outer extruded sections 66. The collar assembly 74 reinforces the extrusion across the opening, the arrangement. being such that forces acting upon the extrusion are resisted by the collar as a bridge or, continuationof the extrusion, the load resistance of the top extrusion being substantially equal for the full length of the tank;

circular, dish-shaped sheet metal plate suitably reinforced, as explained below.

Described in detail with reference to FIGURES, each bulkhead includes a marginal flange 94 joined by welding to the upper and lower extrusions 6 and 7 and to the sheet metal shells 8 of the tank. It will be noted (FIG- URE 5) that the marginal flange 94 of the battle seats against the bridge plates 79 of theupper and lower extrusions such that the plates 79 make'it possible to apply a continuous line of weld joining the flange94 to the tank components. It has been found in practice that the continuous weld provides a stronger. and more durable structure and prevents strains from being imposed upon the bulkheads. Such strains are normally present where the weld is interrupted, and may lead to failure or rupture of the sheet 'metal bulkhead along a line extending inwardly from the non-welded. area. In fabricating the upperand lower extrusions, the bridge plates preferably are welded in place at the points where the baflies are to be located, before thesheet metal shell sections are joined( to the side. edges of the extrusions. Each bulkhead is reinforcedby a pair of vertical braces 9595 (FIGURES 4 and 5), each brace95 beingin Described in detail, the collar assembly 74 comprises a cylindrical rim76 which has its outer edge welded to the extruded sections, as previously indicated at 75. The rim, 76 includes an annular top plate 77 joined to its upper edge. The central opening 78 of annular plate 77 is delineated by a cylindrical'flange 80 projecting upwardly from plate 7 7. The opening 78 is delineated by an internal funnel-shaped cup 81, which converges downwardly and inwardly from the circular flange 80.

The collar assembly 74 is provided with a hinged cover 82 having a circular gasket 8'3 adapted to seat against the circular flange 80 when in closed position. As shown in FIGURE 2, cover 82 is hingedly carried by a pin 84 which is mounted in lugs 85-85 rising from the collar assembly 74. -The pin 84 passes through the lugs 8686 forming a part of the cover 82, :thus providing a hinged connection between the collar assembly and cover.

The swinging portion of cover 82 is provided with a latch piece87 which is engageable with a coact'ing latching device 88 pivotally connected as at 90 to the collar assembly. When the coveris closed, the latching device 88 may be pivoted to the locking positionoverlying the latch piece 87 of the cover. In this position, the detents 9 1 of the latching device '88 (FIGURE 2) engage the latch piece 87 of the cover to hold the cover in sealing engagement with the circular flange 80. Since the latch- :ing mechanism does not form a part of the present invention, the details have been omitted from the dis closure.

As viewed inF-IGURE 4, each tank compartment is provided with a vent cap assembly 92. These caps communicate with respective openings formed in the central extruded section '65 and are welded in place. The vent caps 92 are conventional structures and have not been disclosed in detail. 7

As noted earlier (FIGURE 4) the tank compartments 42, which are delineated by the bulkheads 41,'a-re each provided with one or more internal baflles 93 which are generallysimilar to the bulkheads. The forward comthe form of a flat plate having a curved 'inner edge 96' corresponding to the concave surface of the bulkhead.

Theouter edge of each brace is channel-shaped in cross section as indicated at 97 for stiffening purposes. The braces 95 are sprung in place so as to pre-stress the bulk: head .for maximum strength; the braces are welded to the bulkheads after being sprung in place and thus provide load transfer members spanning the upper and lower extrusions. In order to locate the upper and lower ends of the braces 95, the upper and lower extrusions are provided with longitudinal internal grooves or notches 103 which are aligned with the side rails or flanges 50' and 69 of the lower and upper extrusions.

Each bulkheadis further stiffened by means of cross pieces 98-98 which are in the form of angle irons. The inner edge of each crosspiece 98 is curved so as to seat against the surf-ace of the bulkhead as at 100 while the outer flange of the cross piece is engaged beneath th channel-shaped flange; 97 of the vertical stiffeners.

It will be notedin FIGURE 4, that the forward end wall 12 is provided with vertical braces 95 and cross piece 98 similar to the bulkheads. The rearward end wall 11, similarly stiffened, is provided with one additional cross piece 98 to increase the stiffening effect. c i

As viewed in FIGURE 4 each ofthe circular bafiies 93 is similar-to the bulkheads and each includes an opening 101 to provide for the flow of liquid therethrough. Each baffle is provided with a pair of vertical braces 95-95; however, since the bafiies are not subjected to heavy loading, the cross pieces 98-98 are omitted. As noted earlier, thechannel ways 61 of the lower extrusion provide drainage across the lower edge of the baffle, while the channel 7 way '61 of the upper extrusion provides venting of gas across the upper edge of the baflie.

In order to reinforce the'forward end of the tank in the area of the fifth wheel 3 (FIGURES 4 and 5), there is provided a pair of horizontal braces 102 which extend between'the forward wall 12 and forwardbaflie 93. 'Each brace 192 extends vertically in the plane of the side rail 50 at opposite sides (FIGURE 5') and its lower edge in: terfits the longitudinal locating groove193 which is formed 'in the lower extrusion 7 above side rail 50; The lower is delineated by the forward izontal braces 102, the upper portion of each braces includes a channel-shaped head 105. As viewed in FIG- URE 4, the lower portion of each brace 102 is notched as at 106-106 to prevent liquid from being trapped behind the braces when the compartment is drained. It will be noted (FIGURE 5) that forces acting on the side rails 50 are resisted by the braces 102 so as to avoid overstressing or tearing of the vessel structure at its forward load bearing portion.

The rearward portion of the vessel is likewise provided with horizontal braces. These may be identical with the braces 102 and each is similarly welded in place in the plane of the side rail 50 at opposite sides. In this instance the horizontal braces extend for the full length of the rearward compartment 42 and each comprises two longitudinal sections having ends abutting the rearward baffle 93. The rearward stiffeners are adapted to reinforce the rearward load bearing section of the tank in the area carried by the running gear 2.

In fabricatingthe vessel with sectional side panel sections, the end walls, bulkheads and baffles may be assembled with the upper and lower extrusions and joined by welding so as to form a beam-like frame. Thereafter, the side wall sections, which form the tank shell 8, may be placed in position against the bulkheads and baflles at opposite sides and welded in place, as noted earlier. The vertical welded joints (FIGURE 1) between adjacent side wall sections may be located in alignment with the flanges 94 of the bulkheads and baffles in order to expedite the assembly operations.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the lower andupper extrusions coact in tension and in compression to resist the forces tending to cause sag of the loaded vessel structure during transportation of the tank. Moreover, the upper and lower extrusions, through the load transfer interconnection of the bulkheads and baffles, are able to resist twisting forces as well as those acting longitudinally and laterally of the tank structure, such that the extrusions, bulkheads and external shell form a rigid, beamlike assembly. The arrangement is such that the stresses, strains and twisting forces which aredeveloped during transportation of the vessel, are substantially isolated from the welded seams of the tank shell so as to preserve the useful life of the vessel. The light weight structure thus provided is equal or superior in strength and durability to conventional heavy duty structures, and by virtue of its light weight constructions, the permissible pay load is substantially increased.

Modified lower extrusion The lower extrusion which is indicated generally at 108 in FIGURE 6, is similar to the extrusion 7. previously described except that it is formed of three extruded metal sections instead of four. Thus, the extrusion 108 comprises a one-piece central section 110 and a pair of outer sections 111-111. The opposite side edges of the central section 110 are rabbeted longitudinally as at 112 to provide a mating engagement with the edges of the outer sections 111 which are welded thereto as at 113. The outer edge of each section 111 is similarly notched as at 114 to receive the edge of the side wall, which is welded thereto as at 115. This extrusion is also provided with bridge plates 79 to permit continuous welding about the entire periphery of the baffles. 'The modified structure is provided with L-shaped side rail flanges 50-50 and intermediate flanges 52-52 similar to the assembly shown in FIGURE 5 and is incorporated in the tank structure in a similar manner. The modified assembly creates the same beam effect and provides somewhat simplified fabrication in that the amount of linear welding is decreased.

Wrap-around shell structure FIGURES 7-13 show the several steps involved in fabricating a vessel of slightly modified design in which the shell 8 is in the form of two one-'gpiece side wall panels extending longitudinally for the full length of the tank along opposite sides, as distinguished from the sectional shell structure disclosed above. According to this construction, the full length sheet metalside wall panels and half portions of the upper and lower extruded sections'are assembled as two prefabricated units which are subse quently joined lengthwise, wrapped about the end walls and bafiles of the tank, then clamped in wrap-around position, under tension if desired, so as to stress the sheet metal shell. After being thus clamped, adjacent edges of the extruded sections, preferably along the top, are permanently joined by continuous longitudinal welds, thereby completing the assembly operation in a simple and rapid manner.

Referring to FIGURE 7, which illustrates the first step of the present method, the outer extruded section 46 and inner section 47, which together form one-half of the lower extrusion 7 (four section extension shown in FIG- URE 5) are clamped in assembly by a suitable fixture 116, which engages the ribs 56, thus bringing the edges of the extruded sections into abutment. The longitudinal weld, previously indicated at 48, is then applied by the electrode 117, which may be carried by a welding machine arranged to apply a linear weld.

After they two lower extruded sections 46 and 47 are welded (FIGURE .7), the assembled half extrusion is placed in a clamping fixture 118 (FIGURE 8) which engages the rib 119 of the welded extrusion. Afull length sheet metal side wall panel 120 is then placed in position upon the fixture 118' with its lower edge in abutment with the edge of the extruded section 7. The marginal portion of sheet 120 is held rigidly in welding position by a clamping plunger 121 (FIGURE 8), then the longitudinal weld 63 isapplied to join the edge of the sheet to the extruded section 7. I

The upper edge of sheet 120 is joined in the same way to the outer section 66 of the upper extrusion (FIGURE 8). As detailed in FIGURE 9, a second clamping fixture 118 engages the rib 73 of the upper extruded section 6, while a similar plunger 121 clamps the marginal portion of the sheet in abutment with the edge of the extruded section for application of the longitudinal weld 64.

The assembled full length panel 120, combined withthe extruded sections 6 and 7 as shown in FIGURE 8, forms substantially one-half of the tank shell, with the exception of the center top section 65 of the upper extrusion which is applied at final assembly. The assembly shown in FIGURE 8 is applied to the left hand side of the tank, as viewed in FIGURE 10, and a second symmetrically opposite panel and extrusion assembly (not shown) is prefabricated in the same manner to enclose the night hand side of the tank. As viewed in FIGURE 10, the left hand assembly of the full length panel and extruded sections is indicated generally at 122, while the right hand assembly is indicated generally at 123.

In the preferred mode of operation (FIGURE 10), the bulkheads and baffles are located along the'length of the lower extrusion and Welded in place, the bridge plates first being welded across the channel way, as explained earlier. The bulkheads and baffles are thus located along a common horizontal axis and collectively serve as a core which delineates the contour of the tank when the side wall panels are assembled to form the shell of the tank.

After the two assemblies 122 and 123 are completed, the two inner sections 47-47 of the lower extrusion 7 are butt welded as at 48 (FIGURES l0 and 11) to provide a one-piece prefabricated unit, which may be wrapped about the internal circular components of the vessel. As detailed in FIGURE 11, the two inner sections 47 of the lower sect-ion are clamped with their adjoining edges in abutment by means of a fixture 124, which engage the ribs 56 of the extruded sections. After the longitudinal welded seam 48 is applied, the prefabricated unit, consisting of the assemblies 122 and 123, are

13 wrapped around the baffles 93, bulkheads 41 and end closures 11 and 12, which are welded in assembled relationship to the lower extrusion.

After the pre-assembled side wall panels and extruded sections are wrapped around the circular components to form the cylindrical shell (FIGURE 13), the central section 65 of the top extrusion 6 is placed in position. Suitable clamping fixtures (not shown) are placed across the top flanges 69 of the upper extruded sect-ion so as to draw the assembled shell structure under tension about the components of the vessel. In order to properly locate the sections of the top extrusion, spacers 125 may be placed between the top flanges 69, as shown in FIGURE 12. The longitudinal welds 68 are then applied'to complete the major assembly operation.

It is also to be observed that the advantages provided by the technique illustrated in FIGURE 11 may be employed to facilitate the welding together of longitudinal extrusions which in and of themselves may be relatively narrow but are adjoined in edge-to-edge relationship to build up a shape of any given width. Thus, extrusions 47-47 are provided respectively with ribs 56-56. These ribs are spaced predetermined distances from the edges at which the extrusions are to be adjoined. Each rib, in the preferred method which is disclosed, presents a face which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the extrusion and the face which is angulated relative to the plane of the extrusion, i.e. each rib may be of halt-dovetail shape in cross section. For precision of, shape of the assembly to be produced in the welding together of such extrusions, the welding fixture shown in FIGURE 11 includes a block 126 extending preferably the length of the extrusions. The width of block 126 is such that when the shoulder faces of the ribs 56 are in abutment with the opposite edges of the block 126, the edgewise extremeties of the respective extrusions 47-47 will be positioned accurately throughout their length a distance best suited to receive welding metal at the seam 48. As shown in FIGURE 11, the upper face of the alignment bar 126 may be grooved longitudinally to provide clearance below the line of welding. By utilizing extrusions having chamtered longitudinal edges, a V-groove is provided when the extrusions are arranged adjacent one another and this groove may be utilized as a guide track for a self-moving automatic welding machine. The vertical faces of the guide block thus accurately position the extrusions longitudinally adjacent one another.

The angulated faces of the ribs 56, oppositely disposed with respect to one another operate in conjunction with the upper face of guide bar 126 to establish alignment of the extrusions in their lateral direction. Thus, as the clamp blocks 124, either one or both are moved toward one another the ribs 56 are not only brought into engagement with the opposite sides of the guide bar 1 26, but the extrusions 47-47 are moved downwardly against the upper tace of the guide bar 126. This face of the guide bar may be configurated in cross section to the curvature or radius of shape which is desired in the finished assembly. The upper surfaces of the clamp blocks 124 also may be of complementary configuration to lend additional support to the extrusions during welding if desired. In regard to this feature of the present invention, the extrusions may or may not additionally include ribs other than ribs 56 for imparting longitudinal stillness to the extrusions,

These aspects of the present invention are disclosed and claimed in our co-pending application Serial No. 104,641, filed April 21, 196 1, for Valving Systems for Vessels.

While the present invention is disclosed in the drawings as an embodiment adapted'particul-arly for transportation usage, suspension structure may be omitted from the arrangement, adapting the vessel particularly to convenient usage as a bulk lading container readily suited either for stationary storage puposes or for detachable engagement with transport units such as wheeled railway or roadway vehicles including fiat bed vehicles of either type. The side channels at the bottom form convenient guides for reception or interlocking engagement with members of the vehicle, and the vessel readily may be lifted by slings or equipped with books and eyes for that purpose. It is also to be noted that the vessels of such construction readily may be stacked one upon another as in ship loading operations; for this purpose, to obtain best vertical load distribution within the structure it is desirable that either the side channels 50 or intermediate ribs such as rib 52 of the bottom beam construction be arranged substantially in vertical alignment with the top rails 69 of the top beam.

Having described our invention, we claim:

1. The method of assembling a horizontally elongated vessel having internal bulkheads, said vessel having upper and lower extruded sections and a sheet metal shell enclosing said bulkheads, said method comprising the steps of mounting said bulkheads longitudinally in alignment with one another to provide a core delineating the configuration of the vessel, providing a longitudinal extruded section having a length equal to the length of the vessel, joining two sheet metal panels to the opposite side edges of the extruded section, each sheet metal panel adapted to form a portion of the shell at opposite sides of the vessel, joining respective extruded half sections to the outer edges of said sheet metal panels and thereby providing a prefabricated shell assembly, wrapping said prefabricated shell assembly about said bulkheads to bring the extruded half sections into adjoining relationship, and joining said extruded half sections longitudinally to provide a closure for the shell.

2. The method of assembling a horizontally elongated generally cylindrical vessel having internal circular bulkheads, said vessel having upper and lower extruded sections and having a sheet metal shell enclosing said bulkheads, said method comprising the steps of mounting said circular bulkheads longitudinally in alignment with one another to provide a cylindrical core delineating the con figuration of the vessel, providing a lower extruded section having a length equal to the length of the vessel, welding two sheet metal panels to the opposite side edges of said lower extruded section, each sheet metal panel adapted to form substantially one-half of the shell at opposite sides of the vessel tor the full length thereof, welding respective extruded half sections to the outer edges of said sheet metal panels for the full length thereof and thereby providing a prefabricated shell assembly, wrapping said prefabricated shell assembly about said circular bulkheads to bring the extruded half sections into adjoining relationship and to pull said sheet metal panels about the circular bulkheads, and welding said extruded half sections longitudinally to provide a top closure for the shell.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,847,310 3/32 Schmitz 29-477 X 1,995,546 3/35 Meier 29-493 2,086,134 7/37 Ludwick 113-120 R 2,362,657 11/44 Meyer 113-120 R 2,679,278 5/54 Clark 2 9-477 X 3,064,346 11/62 Schnel'l 29-493 3,080,843 3/63 Abbott et al. 113-130 WHIT-MORE A. WILTZ, Primary Examiner. 

1. THE METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A HORIZONTALLY ELONGATED VESSEL HAVING INTERNAL BULKHEADS, SAID VESSEL HAVING UPPER AND LOWER EXTRUDED SECTIONS AND A SHEET AND METAL SHELL ENCLOSING SAID BULKHEADS, SAID METHOD COMPRISING THE STEPS OF MOUNTING SAID BULKHEADS LONGITUDINALLY IN ALIGNMENT WITH ONE ANOTHER TO PROVIDE A CORE DELINEATING THE CONFIGURATION OF THE VESSEL, PROVIDING A LONGITUDINAL EXTRUDED SECTION HAVING A LENGTH EQUAL TO THE LENGTH OF THE VESSEL, JOINING TWO SHEET METAL PANELS TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE EDGES OF THE EXTRUDED SECTION, EACH SHEET METAL PANEL ADAPTED TO FORM A PORTION OF THE SHELL AT OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE VESSEL, JOINING RESPECTIVE EXTRUDED HALF SECTIONS TO THE OUTER EDGES OF SAID SHEET METAL PANELS AND THEREBY PROVIDING A PREFABRICATED SHELL ASSEMBLY, WRAPPING SAID PREFABRICATED SHELL ASSEMBLY ABOUT ABOUT BULKHEADS TO BRING THE EXTRUDED HALF SECTONS INTO ADJOINING RELATIONSHIP, AND JOINING SAID EXTRUDED HALF SECTIONS LONGITUDINALLY TO PROVIDE A CLOSURE FOR THE SHELL. 